How Long Does a Point Stay on My Record in California?

How It Works

• One-Point Violations: Common infractions like moderate speeding or running a red light typically stay on your record for three years and may be eligible for traffic school.
• Serious Offenses: Two-point violations, like DUIs or reckless driving, stay on your record significantly longer and are not eligible for traffic school.
• DMV Actions: The DMV tracks your point count over time. Accumulating multiple points in a short window can lead to a license suspension or probation.

Expert Insight

"The most common mistake drivers make is tracking their ticket from the date they went to court or paid the fine. In California, the clock actually starts on the date of the violation. Knowing this helps drivers more accurately understand how long a point may affect their record."

Eric Creditor
DMV Licensed Traffic School Operator

How Traffic School Can Help

If the court allows it, completing a course from a DMV-licensed traffic school does not delete the ticket from DMV records, but it can allow the DMV to keep the ticket confidential from public view.

When that happens, the ticket does not appear on the public driving record used by insurance companies, and the related point is not counted by the DMV.

Am I Eligible?

To receive the traffic school benefit, you generally need to meet these requirements:

• 18-Month Rule: You have not used traffic school for another ticket issued within the last 18 months, measured from violation date to violation date.
• Standard Violation: The ticket is for an eligible one-point moving violation.
• Commercial Vehicle Rules: CDL holders may still be eligible if the ticket was received while driving a standard passenger car or pickup truck, but not if the violation happened in a commercial vehicle.
• Court Approval: The court handling your ticket must allow traffic school. You usually need to pay the court's traffic school administrative fee before starting the course.

Bottom Line

A standard one-point violation usually remains on your DMV record for about three years from the violation date.

If you are eligible for traffic school, getting court approval and completing a DMV-licensed course by your court deadline may help prevent the ticket from affecting your insurance and reduce its impact on your DMV record.

This FAQ is provided for informational purposes and was last updated: June 16, 2026. Individual circumstances may vary. Confirm traffic school eligibility, deadlines, and case-specific requirements with the court handling your citation. Contact the California DMV if you have questions about your driving record.